| As a gene delivery method in breast cancer therapy, knocking down the undesired genes in the cancerous
cells would be promising. Inhibitors of Apoptosis Protein (IAP) family genes are some of the genes whose
responsibility is inhibition of apoptosis in cells. Silencing these genes seems to be helpful directing the
tumor cells to death. siRNA sequence designed against survivin anti-apoptotic gene can play this role if
carried to the cytoplasm. Here we prepared a positive charged biocompatible nano-sized particle made
up of a Fe3O4 core covered respectively by polyacrylate (PA) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) layer, which
could successfully deliver the siRNA into the MCF-7 cells. The particle structure was checked and having
less than 50 nm diameter in size, positive charge and, safety towards MCF-7 cells besides being able to
form nanoplexes with the siRNA strand helps it entering into the biologic assays part. The siRNA delivery
evaluated via flowcytometry. Apoptosis induction was determined by DAPI staining. The efficiency of
survivin gene knockdown was evaluated in mRNA and protein levels using Real time PCR and western
blotting methods. Overall, the Fe3O4-PA-PEI nanoparticles can deliver siRNA effectively into the cytoplasm
of the MCF-7 breast cancer cells and induce apoptosis. |